New York Setting Up DWI Checkpoints For St. Patrick’s Day Weekend

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) — New York State Police are cracking down on drinking and driving, underage drinking and distracted driving this St. Patrick’s Day weekend in an effort to curb drinking related accidents.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said that from Friday through Monday, drivers can expect sobriety checkpoints, increased DWI patrols and increased inspections on underage drinking and sales to minors.

State police will also be issuing tickets to distracted drivers using cell phones and other handheld electronic devices.

“St. Patrick’s Day celebrations should be an enjoyable and safe experience for all New Yorkers,” Cuomo stated. “I urge all drivers to plan transportation in advance, use caution when traveling, and follow the law so that this weekend’s festivities do not lead to unnecessary tragedy.”

Last year, during a similar campaign, state troopers issued 9,763 tickets and made 204 arrests for DWI during St. Patrick’s Day weekend, according to Cuomo.

In New Jersey, State Police will also be looking for drunken or impaired drivers on Monday. Officials are urging people to designate a sober driver ahead of time or plan to call a taxi.

Officials said drunken drivers were involved in crashes that killed 117 people in the Garden State in 2012.

Alcoholic Beverage Control investigators plan to go undercover to ensure bars and restaurants in New Jersey aren’t over serving patrons on St. Patrick’s Day.